Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 26 - But Nobody Came

Arthur's POV

"A toast, to another victory against the evils of magic and for the continued prosperity of Camelot," Uther says, his goblet raised in the air while a bright smile graces his face.

The rest of the guests in the hall follow suite. Knights, noblemen, and women all raise their chalices in the air in unison before taking a long swig of the wine. I down my whole cup at once, hoping the sweetness will flush away the unease in my mind for at least awhile longer. I slam the cup down onto the table in frustration, sending nasty glares towards my father as he cheerfully feasts upon the platter of food presented before him, laughing and chatting with the noblemen beside him. 

I hide a scowl from my lips as a nervous servant shuffles over at the sight of my empty goblet. He fills the cup to the brim with wine before turning around to leave. I stop him with a hand. I drain the cup instantly then prompt him for more. The boy glances to me in worry before filling my goblet again. I do the same with this cup as well. After the third cup full of wine I begin to feel tipsy. My mind swirls and my vision begins to haze. I can feel my cheeks becoming hot from the influx of alcohol. The feeling helps to ease the problems in my mind. I rise from my seat after a couple more moments and excuse myself. I enter my chambers and slam the door shut, immediately collapsing onto the bed afterwards.  

I let out a tired groan before allowing the darkness to overtake me.

-----

I wake in the morning with a massive headache. My vision continues to swim in and out of focus as I stumble to my feet. I manage to reach he pitcher of water and pour myself a cup full. I down the drink, making a mental note to visit the physician later. I wipe my mouth on my sleeve just as my father enters my chambers. George walks in behind him with a tray of food. 

"Good morning, father," I say, my words slightly slurred. 

"Good morning my son. How are you feeling today?" He asks, eyeing me suspiciously. 

"I'm feeling fine. Why do you ask?"

A smile spreads across his face. "You had been enchanted by a sorcerer but have no fear the sorcerer is dead." He gives me a pat on the shoulder. 

It takes everything I have to keep the anger from boiling inside me. I'm almost about to lash out at him but I manage to hold myself back. I take a deep breath and still my expression. "Thank you, father. I'll be sure to be more careful next time."

He nods his approval. "Good. I will be sending out a couple of patrols to search for any more sorcerers that managed to escape. You may rest for the day, Arthur. You must be tired."

Merlin... I panic at the thought of him getting caught. He'll probably be burned, hanged, or beheaded. An image surfaces in my mind. Merlin, strapped to a stake with fire surrounding him. I shudder at the thought. There must be some way to warn him but would he even believe me? I think back to the previous day. The hatred in his eyes, his voice. They were painful to witness. His gaze had felt as though a knife had carved out my heart.

"Arthur?" I look up to see my father staring at me worriedly. "Are you alright my son?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

My father gazes at me wearily before turning to leave. I watch his back recede from view before turning abruptly towards George. "Get me dressed. I'm heading out," I order, already heading behind the screen to shed my night clothes.

"But what about-"

"Now, George."

"Yes, sire."